Entrepreneurship through small business and start-ups are the lifeblood of the American economy. In fact, small businesses account for approximately 80 percent of new job announcements nationwide – and they serve as the largest creator of jobs in our region.
>50%
Americans own or work for a small business
64%
Of new jobs are created by small business
99.7%
Of businesses are made up of firms less than 500 employees
Success requires an ecosystem that allows entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow and succeed by providing access to needed resources and connections.
The Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership firmly believes that small business owners succeed when they are given proper preparation, planning, and understanding of the environment and amount of work it takes to succeed. The following resources will assist in helping you fully exploring the path to starting and growing your small business.
Business Plan Resources
Helps small business owners facing challenges ranging from financing and inefficient operations to developing clear growth strategies. Access to trusted business advisors and a rich network of collaborative partners help unblock the barriers for entrepreneurs to achieve growth and success.
Small Business Administration is an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
Austin SCORE has certified mentors including experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve success.
A nonprofit, member-based organization, the Central Texas Angel Network features 185 individual accredited investors from an extensive cross-section of sectors and backgrounds. CTAN members not only invest, they also mentor entrepreneurs and connect them to business resources, providing critical support to the success of early-stage business and the Texas economy.
Small businesses can apply to TWC for training offered by their local community or technical college, or the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).
The Texas State CIE connects, supports, and grows a robust innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem to empower talented, passionate, and hard-working Texas State University Bobcats by giving them the tools to distinguish themselves with 21st-century skills and achieve the extraordinary.
The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce seeks to improve the economic prosperity and quality of life in our community, members of the Chamber are working together in areas of education and literacy, business development, governmental affairs, and more to improve San Marcos every day.
A student run pro bono public relations firm designed to help community businesses help themselves by providing strategic communication and social media marketing advice and education.
The Downtown Association is a coalition of property owners, citizens, and independent businesses dedicated to strengthening the SMTX community.
San Marcos Mainstreet is fostering a downtown that is unique and culturally vibrant destination where local businesses thrive and people of all ages can connect, create, and celebrate.
Through strong membership, organizational leadership, and administrative expertise, the Kyle Chamber of Commerce provides business assistance and advocacy and is contributing to helping the entire region become the forefront of the Texas Innovation Corridor.
As part of the entire Community Development Team, Kyle ED works hand in hand with the Planning, Engineering, and Building Departments to offer a "one-stop-shop" experience in order to warrant a seamless development process.
A strong, viable organization with the primary goal of serving its membership by providing the necessary elements to help members grow, improve, and protect their business. The Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to building the best environment for business in the region and are committed to improving the economic vitality of the Dripping Springs Area.
The mission of the Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce is to promote community and economic prosperity while fostering alliances and partnerships. Chamber events help to acquaint members with each other and showcase local and new businesses.
The goals of the City of Wimberley are to promote and preserve small town business character and culture of the Wimberley area and promote and preserve locally owned small businesses that serve the needs of the Wimberley Valley.
Actively promotes and supports its member businesses. They also serve as the primary source of tourism and visitor information for the friendly, enterprising, and historic City of Lockhart.
The City of Lockhart's Economic Development Department can assist with growing your business from start up to expansion by providing information to help you in your endeavor.
The Luling Chamber of Commerce is an association of business persons and individuals working together to build and promote the Luling area business environment, area tourism efforts & local quality of life.
The Luling Main Street Program is committed to revitalization of the Main Street District which spurs economic development through historic preservation. By offering incentive programs such as façade grants, design assistance, and other business development tools, we hope to cultivate a diverse mix of small businesses in the downtown district.
The Luling EDC is a type B economic development corporation, comprised of a seven-member Board of Directors appointed for a two-year term by the Luling City Council.
The City of San Marcos is invested in helping our local business culture thrive and build resiliency throughout every stage. Through a unique partnership with BCL of Texas, the ThinkB!G Business Investment + Growth program offers no-cost, one-on-one customized business and financial coaching at every stage of running a business and classes are offered in a range of topics to provide knowledge and tools to succeed. Their specialists can connect you with all of the resources you need to grow.